Reddy rocking fatherhood
Newly signed Central Coast Mariners keeper Liam Reddy is one busy father.
The 32-year-old who recently penned a one-year deal with the 2012 Hyundai A-League champions is currently finishing up his season with IGA National Premier Leagues NSW Mens 1 Premiers Sydney United 58 FC which has seen him juggle his football alongside his energetic sons Marley (6) and Hendrix (4) with wife Christie.
“It has been busy but I wouldn’t have swapped this feeling for anything, it’s brilliant,” said Reddy.
“I always wanted to have kids while I was young along with my partner as well it’s been great.
“Whenever you have a bad day you know when you come home and see them both, things get put into perspective and they always manage to put a smile on your face.
Reddy has travelled around Australia with his professional career playing for the likes of the Newcastle Jets, Brisbane Roar, Wellington Phoenix, Sydney FC as well as a stint in Iran with Esteghlal but he’s always made time for his kids no matter the circumstances.
“I always do whatever I can to make sure I commit time for my kids.
“We’ve moved around quite a bit since they were born (both born in Brisbane), but they’ve spent a little bit of time in Brisbane, Sydney and Wellington it was tough when I signed in Iran though. There’s only so much you can do and talk on Skype and being away from them for six months wasn’t easy so I was happy to have come back to see my boys and partner.
“They are very understanding kids so I am lucky in that department, they know that I may move around for work but they’ve been really good with it.”
It’s been a family affair at Edensor Park as Reddy’s both sons also play for the red and white of Sydney United 58 FC something the shotstopper is delighted with.
“Both my boys play for Sydney United 58 FC, the youngest one Hendrix started this year and my eldest Marley has been playing for two years now.
“They’re both thoroughly enjoying it and it’s a great way for them to stay fit and active as well as having a lot of fun with their friends.”
Being part of a very sporty family, his father Rod a former Australian Rugby League international, brother Joel current West Tigers Rugby League player and sister Bianca, a netball star, the chain looks like it may continue with his two sons.
Spending a weekend at the Reddy household and you could tell it’s quite intense as its all systems go on a Saturday where football takes centre stage.
“It is quite busy,” Reddy said.
“Saturday is quite frantic we go to two football matches in the morning and then we get home and I could be playing later that night otherwise the boys love going to the park.
“They’re also into their motorbikes now so they’re loving that on weekends and it seems that every second Saturday they have a birthday party on so there’s never a dull weekend.”
Both boys have been very supportive of their father and have been keen fans at every Sydney United 58 FC home match this season.
“They love coming to our matches especially when we play at home.
“I take them onto the pitch and they love kicking a ball around its great to see this before and after a match.
“They also come into the dressing rooms after each match but only if we win, so this year has been a good year for that.”
Father’s Day this year pending on the IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 Finals Series draw could see Liam and his family spending it at Edensor Park.
“It may seem that way.
“Looking at the draw and the way it works we will play the winner of Sutherland Sharks and Bonnyrigg White Eagles on Father’s Day so the family and I will spend it at the King Tom club after the match for a chevapi with hopefully a spot in this year’s Grand Final.”
With Father’s Day just around the corner Football NSW wants to celebrate the big occasion by searching for the state’s most football fanatic fathers.
Whether it’s attending every game, his vast collection of replica jerseys or even just supporting his team at any opportunity he gets Football NSW would love to hear about it.
On offer is an ultimate football experience with the winner scoring an outdoor seater box for themselves and seven guests at a Sydney FC, Central Coast Mariners or Western Sydney Wanderers match as well as the chance to attend an A – League training session.
To go into the running to win this fantastic prize tell us in 25 words or less why your dad is Football NSW’s #1 Football Fanatic Father
The competition closes on Thursday 29th August 2013 at 5pm with entrants filling in their application form on the Football NSW website – www.footballnsw.com.au/promotions
The winners will be announced on Friday 30th August 2013 on the Football NSW website and Football NSW Facebook page (www.facebook.com/footballnsw).
-By Mark Stavroulakis
